Gareth had been involved in "Castle Capers" in Newcastle where he had previous lived. The idea was agreed. The guide divisional commissioner at the time, Rhoda Parkinson, was involved with Chorley Little Theatre and asked one of her friends from the theatre, Marjorie Coles, to produce it. At the beginning of the year, rehearsals began for Chorley Capers '81 and a large cast of approximately 100 sc
outs, guides, brownies cubs and leaders got together at Tatton community centre. It must be said that Marjorie was a force to be reckoned with and cast members would never forget her, but it was all done with the best of intentions and they eventually enjoyed the experience thoroughly! The show was such a success that it was decided to stage a follow up; Capers '83
Once again the show was staged at Parklands High School around Easter, but rehearsals had now moved to Hollinshead St School rooms which was more central. Marjorie produced one more show, Capers 85, before the production team changed to Gareth Rook and John Monk and an ex-cast member, Susan Morrison. As well as experience from Chorley Little Theatre, Susan also brought a new musical director; her husband Peter! Susan continued to produce shows at Parklands assisted by Brian Rollins, in '89, '91, '93 and '95.
1997 saw a change of venue as the show moved to Albany High School. Along with the new venue came a new choreographer, Lesley Nicholson
1999 brought another move to St Michaels High School and a much needed boost to adult male cast members, many of whom are still involved!
2001 was our first venture into a real theatre as a smaller cast allowed the show to be staged at Chorley Little Theatre
2003 saw a move back to the original venue of Parklands
2005 was back at the little theatre and this time with a new assistant producer (and cast member) Emma Ditchfield. even though the theatre brings its own challenges of overcrowding it is still the best venue for the audience and the cast love the atmosphere of a real theatre!
2007 was staged at the little theatre once again with the biggest cast we've had in 10 years; boy that was a squeeze! The '07 show also saw the debut for our new choreography team of Emma Hardacre and Kelly Hesketh
Thankfully, serious auditions have never played a part in the shows. Our ethos is that anyone can turn up and get the chance to be in the show, whether a first timer or an old hand. Everyone who wants it gets the opportunity to shine and audiences have been surprised how professional the shows are. Cast and backstage members of the gang come and go and there are now a number of the gang who are 'second generation'! Believe it or not there are still two of the gang who have been ever present since the original Capers '81; Wardrobe Mistress, Barbara Curd and cast member Paul Wareing. That's some staying power!
